Glossary

Glossary - G

Gateway

A facility which adapts signals and messages of one network to the protocols and conventions of other networks or services.

General Packet Radio Services GPRS

Packet Switched data radio technology for GSM networks. GPRS connections are always open giving mobile terminal users the same kind of network availability they may be used to from corporate networks. There are no set up and clear down times associated with data calls made via GPRS. Terminals can therefore effectively become a part of the Internet.

Geographic number

A number from the national numbering plan where part of its digit structure contains geographic significance used for routing calls to the physical location of the network termination point of the subscriber to whom the number has been assigned.

Geographic portability

The ability of customers to transfer their numbers between operators on fixed telecommunications networks when they switch their operator.

Global System for Mobile communications GSM

TDMA-based second generation mobile Cellular Radio technology, originated in Europe but now used in over 100 countries around the world. GSM supports voice, data and text messaging and allows roaming between different networks – which means that GSM users can take their phones with them to many parts of the world. GSM systems currently operate at 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz or 1900 MHz.

GMSC (Gateway Mobile Services Switching Centre)

The first point of contact between the PSTN and the GSM network.

GPRS

General Packet Radio Service.

Grade Of Service (GOS)

GOS is an estimate of customer satisfaction with a particular aspect of service such as noise, echo or blocking. For example the noise grade of service is said to be 95% if, for a specified distribution of noise, 95% of the people judge the service to be good or better. In traffic networks, GOS defines the percentage of calls that receive no service (blocking) or poor service (long delays). GOS measures apply to all aspects of telecommunications networks. In many cases the literature equates GOS only with the probability of a blocked call. When used without further explanation, GOS generally refers to blocking probability.

GSM

Global Standard for Mobile Telephony.

Guided Media

Guided media is media that constrain electromagnetic or acoustic waves within boundaries established by their physical construction. Examples include paired metallic wire cable, coaxial cable, and fiber optic cable.